kpha awards

The Kansas Pharmacists Association presents the following awards yearly at the KPhA Annual Meeting and Trade Show, which generally takes place at the end of August. For questions regarding awards, email info@ksrx.org or call 785.228.2327.

call for nominations

The nominating period for the 2025 KPhA Awards is OPEN! You may submit nominations here!

  • Distinguished Young Pharmacist
  • Excellence in Innovation
  • Sunflower MTM Champion
  • Bowl of Hygeia
  • Pharmacist of the Year
  • Outstanding Pharmacy Technician
  • Champion of Pharmacy
  • The Bill Bays Award

recipients

Distinguished Young Pharmacist

Presented by Pharmacists Mutual and the Kansas New Practitioner’s Network. Selected by the KPhA Board of Directors Executive Committee.
This award is given to an individual with an entry degree in Pharmacy received less than 10 years ago and practicing retail, institutional, or consulting pharmacy in the year selected. The award winner is also selected based on his or her participation in national pharmacy associations, professional programs, state association activities, and/or community service.

  • 2024 Madison Livengood
  • 2023 Angela Baalmann
  • 2022 Julie Keeton
  • 2021 Erica Wilkinson
  • 2020 Nick Schulte
  • 2019 Jorden Gagnebin
  • 2018 Matt Morrison
  • 2017 Kynan Gibson
  • 2016 Lance and Sloane Freeman
  • 2015 Ashley Shogren
  • 2014 Jody Reel
  • 2013 Emily Prohaska
  • 2012 Amber Haag
  • 2011 Sue Ann Kollhoff
  • 2010 Robert Wenzl
  • 2009 Amber and Joseph Woehl
  • 2008 Taylor Gill
  • 2007 Joan Kramer
  • 2006 Melissa Hulse
  • 2005 Brian Barnes
  • 2004 Michael Coast
  • 2003 Jeffrey Pierce
  • 2002 Jon and Jena Brunswig
  • 2001 Cesar Miller
  • 2000 Suzanne Schrater
  • 1999 Michael Dieker
  • 1998 Greg Burger
  • 1997 Mary Kate Blankenship
  • 1996 Lisa Whipple
  • 1995 Rene Altman
  • 1994 Mary Whitley
  • 1993 Eric Witmer
  • 1992 David Mahanna
  • 1991 Judy Hawkins
  • 1990 Jeanie Brown
  • 1989 Ron Ragan
  • 1988 Mark Woods
  • 1987 Doug Pederson

Excellence in Innovation

Presented by National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and sponsored by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc
This national award recognizes and honors a qualified pharmacist who has demonstrated significant innovation in their respective practice, method or service directly or indirectly resulting in improved patient care and/or advancement of the profession of pharmacy.

  • 2024 Paul Schiferl
  • 2023 Jacob Hadley
  • 2022 Mary Beth Dameron
  • 2020 Emily Prohaska
  • 2019 Dared and Renee Price
  • 2018 Sandie Kueker
  • 2017 Molly Aldrich
  • 2016 Brett Kappelmann
  • 2015 Merlin McFarland
  • 2014 Amanda Applegate
  • 2013 Lisa Everett
  • 2012 Brian Williamson
  • 2011 Glenn Harte
  • 2010 Frank Weinhold
  • 2009 Sam Boyajian
  • 2008 Mike Conlin
  • 2007 Mark Gagnon
  • 2006 Kenneth Mishler
  • 2005 Jeff Denton
  • 2004 Steven Charles
  • 2003 Jonathan & Jena Brunswig
  • 2002 Carrie Lane
  • 2001 Lynn Quiring
  • 2000 Rusty Ryan
  • 1999 Dennis Hendershot
  • 1998 Maura Conry
  • 1997 Patrick Parker
  • 1996 Lou Greenhaw
  • 1995 Bob Haneke
  • 1994 Steve Smith

Sunflower Health Plan MTM Champion

Sponsored and chosen by Sunflower Health Plan.
This award recognizes one or more Kansas pharmacists who have made great strides in advocating for and developing MTM services in their pharmacy practice. Developing a practice model that shows above average completion rates of CMR MTM cases by a pharmacy in which the individual practices. Advocating for optimal pharmaceutical care through one or more of the following:

  • Educating other pharmacists within Kansas regarding practice models related to MTM
  • Developing and/or holding seminars or training sessions related to MTM
  • Other advocacy initiatives that improve the health of Kansans through optimal Medication Therapy Management Services
  • 2024 Mallory Zweygardt
  • 2023 KexRx (Hiawatha & Atchison)
  • 2022 John Schmidt
  • 2021 Tiffany Shin
  • 2020 Erin Mays
  • 2019 Katherine McKenzie
  • 2018 Emily Rohling
  • 2017 Jennifer Cole
  • 2016 Brett Kappelmann
  • 2015 Sandie Kueker
  • 2015 Amanda Applegate

Bowl of Hygeia

Selected by previous KPhA Bowl of Hygeia winners.

This prestigious award, presented by KPhA, is given to the pharmacist who has compiled an outstanding record of community service, which, apart from his/her specific identification as a pharmacist, reflects well on the profession. The individual must have made considerable contributions in terms of community service which may include involvement in governmental activities separate from, or in addition to, his or her job. Selection is made by previous KPhA Bowl of Hygeia recipients based on the following criteria:

  • The recipient must be a pharmacist, licensed in Kansas and a member in good standing of the Association.
  • The recipient must be living. Awards are not presented posthumously.
  • The recipient has not been a previous recipient of the award.
  • The recipient is not currently serving nor, has he/she served within the immediate past two years as an officer of the Association in other than an ex-officio capacity.
  • The recipient has compiled an outstanding record of community service, which, apart from his/her specific identification as a pharmacist, reflects well on the profession.
  • 2024 Renee Price
  • 2023 Michael Conlin
  • 2022 Randall Smith
  • 2021 Doug Funk
  • 2020 Mike Bellesine
  • 2019 Vicki Schmidt
  • 2018 Brian Caswell
  • 2017 Merlin McFarland
  • 2016 David Schoech
  • 2015 Robert Nyquist
  • 2014 Richard A. Bieber
  • 2013 Leland Hansen
  • 2012 Marvin E. Bredehoft
  • 2011 Julie Perkins
  • 2010 Steven Charles
  • 2009 Joseph Brummer
  • 2008 Geraldine Liebert
  • 2007 Roger S. Bellas
  • 2006 Sam Boyajian
  • 2005 Scott Patterson
  • 2004 Jim Kerr
  • 2003 Stephen L. Smith
  • 2002 James E. Coast
  • 2001 Harley Russell
  • 2000 Terry W. Kepka
  • 1999 Max M. Heidrick
  • 1998 John J. Witmer
  • 1997 Stanley Byrne
  • 1996 Kenneth Esau
  • 1995 Gomer Stukesbary
  • 1994 Don A. Hill
  • 1993 David Butler
  • 1992 Don Wheeler
  • 1991 Betty J. Alderson
  • 1990 Nyrle “Cy” Merriweather
  • 1989 Joseph Shalinsky
  • 1988 Don Greenhaw
  • 1987 Alf T.H. Oleson
  • 1986 Andrew Struble
  • 1985 James DeGoler
  • 1984 Larry Courtney
  • 1983 Marie Wyckoff
  • 1982 Jim Enyart
  • 1981 Noel Nyman
  • 1980 Alan Probst
  • 1979 Kathleen Mahanna
  • 1978 Clarence J. Hamm
  • 1977 Robert Mahanna
  • 1976 Jacob W. Miller
  • 1975 Hugh T. Polson
  • 1974 George L. White
  • 1973 Roy C. Cheek
  • 1972 Robert E. Nichols
  • 1971 Paul M. Pflasterer
  • 1970 Vernon D. Martin
  • 1969 Roger Miller
  • 1968 John W. Schrepel
  • 1967 James Brock
  • 1966 O.D. Harris
  • 1965 G. Allen Hibbard

Pharmacist of the Year

Selected by the KPhA Board of Directors.
The Pharmacist of the Year Award was developed in 1977 by KPhA and is presented annually to a KPhA member. The awardee must be a KPhA member in good standing; a licensed pharmacist in Kansas; have contributed significantly to the advancement of the profession, the goals of KPhA, the reputation of Kansas Pharmacy, or other readily identifiable professional achievements during the year for which the award is given or at least in a reasonably recent time frame which would support the award title of the Pharmacist of the Year. These accomplishments are expected to be in areas other than ones directly related to employment; and be an individual of the highest degree of integrity and recognized as a professional leader. The following conditions apply:

  • Nominations MUST be accompanied by supportive documentation that illustrates the above criteria. This does not preclude self-nomination.
  • Receipt of the award does not preclude receiving the award again.
  • The award should not be presented to the current president, immediate past president, or president-elect of KPhA. (This criterion was included in the original rules.)
  • Every attempt will be made to assure that the award be given each year. If the committee decides that an appropriate awardee cannot be selected from among the nominees, further nominations will be solicited. If this fails, the award will not be made.
  • 2024 Nate Weihl
  • 2023 Mandy Gibson
  • 2022 Kevin Vohs
  • 2021 Joe Heidrick
  • 2020 Renee Price
  • 2019 Lisa Gales
  • 2018 Carol (Dee) Swafford
  • 2017 Sandie Kueker
  • 2016 Don Hill
  • 2015 Jody Reel
  • 2014 Brian Caswell
  • 2013 Kelley Melton
  • 2012 Jean Abeita
  • 2011 Max Heidrick
  • 2010 Harold Godwin
  • 2009 Mike Coast
  • 2008 Jeanine Brizendine
  • 2007 Brian Caswell
  • 2006 David Schoech
  • 2005 Sherry Denton
  • 2004 Curtis Woods
  • 2003 Don Hill
  • 2002 Merlin McFarland
  • 2001 Dennis Hendershot
  • 2000 Barbara Woods
  • 1999 Jeff Denton
  • 1998 Gene Hotchkiss
  • 1997 B.D. Ehler
  • 1996 Steve Smith
  • 1995 Bob Haneke
  • 1994 Ed Boyd
  • 1993 P. Lou Greenhaw
  • 1992 Mike Pflughoeft
  • 1991 Jim Pessetto
  • 1990 Galen Morris*
  • 1989 Rich Bieber
  • 1988 Larry Courtney
  • 1987 Gary Coleman
  • 1986 Jere Matchett*
  • 1985 Harley Russell*
  • 1984 Roger Miller
  • 1983 Marily Rhudy
  • 1982 Harold Godwin
  • 1981 Joe Shalinsky*
  • 1980 Jim Brock
  • 1979 Gary Charter
  • 1978 Jacob Miller, Sr.
  • 1977 Sara White

Outstanding Pharmacy Technician

Selected by the KPhA Board of Directors.
The outstanding Pharmacy Technician Award will be presented to the nominated pharmacy technician that best exemplifies excellence in the performance of their duties, serve to the community, and service to the profession. The nominee must be a member of KPhA in good standing and must work in the state of Kansas.

  • 2024 Abigail Hoefling
  • 2023 Allyssa Vaden
  • 2022 Pauletta Dodgen
  • 2021 Ashley Guinn
  • 2020 Morgan Moellinger
  • 2019 Angela Maldonado
  • 2018 Micah Heikes

Champion of Pharmacy

Selected by the KPhA Government Affairs Committee.
Since 2016, this award has recognized and honored those individuals in the political arena or utilizing the political process, who have over the course of their careers, displayed dedication to the profession of pharmacy. They have, through the political process, served as a champion of the profession of pharmacy in their actions, whether it be in or utilizing the executive, legislative, or judicial branches

  • 2024 Alexandra Blasi
  • 2023 Aaron Dunkel
  • 2022 Award not given
  • 2021 Matt Morrison
  • 2020 Rep. Jene Vickrey
  • 2019 Micha Bastian
  • 2018 Rep. Roger Marshall
  • 2017 Steven Charles
  • 2016 Greg Burger
  • 2015 Michael Burns
  • 2014 Robert Moser
  • 2013 Peter Stern
  • 2012 Lynn Jenkins
  • 2011 Debra Billingsley
  • 2010 Jerry Moran
  • 2009 Bob & Janie Nyquist
  • 2008 Nancy Boyda
  • 2007 Vicki Schmidt
  • 2007 Don Hill

The Bill Bays Award

Selected by the Committee on Impaired Pharmacy Practice.
This award honors a staff member, pharmacist, technician, student or intern who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse, substance use disorder or mental health awareness, among the general public and pharmacy community. The award is also intended to encourage educational prevention efforts aimed at patients, youth, and other members of the community. Selection is made by the Committee on Impaired Pharmacy Practice based on the following criteria:

  • Recipient must be a KPhA member in good standing.
  • Recipient must work in or be licensed in the State of Kansas.
  • Recipient cannot be a past recipient of the Cardinal Health Generation Rx award.
  • 2024 KU APhA-ASP Student Chapter
  • 2023 Award not given
  • 2022 Kelly Rockers
  • 2021 Award not given
  • 2020 Steven Burghart
  • 2019 Katie Foster

  • This was previously known as the
    Cardinal Health Generation Rx Award
  • 2018 Adam Henn
  • 2017 Bobbi McGrath
  • 2016 Morris Faiman
  • 2015 Vicki Whitaker
  • 2014 Ralph Holbrook
  • 2013 Sarah Browning
  • 2012 William Bays

Board of Directors Award

Nominated and selected by the KPhA Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors Award is given in recognition of an individual who has given exemplary service for one or more years to the Kansas Pharmacists Association.

  • 2024 Savanna Anschutz
  • 2023 Award not given
  • 2022 Matt Morrison
  • 2021 Matt Morrison
  • 2020 Sloane & Lance Freeman
  • 2019 Jim Backes 
  • 2018 Katie Foster
  • 2017 Robert Tomasu
  • 2016 Amanda Applegate
  • 2015 Auburn Gehle
  • 2014 Jonalan Smith
  • 2013 Jim Young
  • 2012 John Worden
  • 2011 Vicki Schmidt
  • 2010 Ken Audus
  • 2009 Award not given
  • This was previously known as the
    Board of Trustees Award
  • 2008 Pete Stern
  • 2007 Brian Caswell
  • 2006 Steve Smith
  • 2005 Jerry Moran
  • 2004 Sherry Denton
  • 2004 Jenith Hoover
  • 2003 Jere Matchett
  • 2002 Dr. Jim Barnett
  • 2001 Lou Greenhaw
  • 2000 Patricia Maben
  • 1999 Kathleen Sebelius
  • 1998 Jeanie Brown
  • 1997 Mary Kate Blankenship
  • 1996 Kent Richardson
  • 1995 Carol Morgan
  • 1994 Bob Nyquist
  • 1994 Janie Nyquist
  • 1993 Sam Hudson
  • 1992 Marian J. Williams

Board Member of the Year

Nominated and selected by the KPhA Board of Directors.
The Board Member of the Year is selected based on various criteria including attendance and participation at meetings, their efforts toward membership recruitment and enthusiasm. Our Board members are key in helping the Association keep members informed and energized.

  • 2024 Nick Schulte
  • 2023 Will Anderson
  • 2022 Tessa Schnelle
  • 2021 Tessa Schnelle
  • 2020 Dared Price
  • 2019 Kristen Powell
  • 2018 Kristen Powell
  • 2017 Ashley Shogren
  • 2016 Amanda Applegate
  • 2015 Emily Prohaska
  • 2014 Nathan Wiehl
  • 2013 Michael Bellesine
  • 2012 Katy Brown
  • 2011 Joe Woehl
  • 2010 Pat Hubbell
  • 2009 Van Coble
  • 2008 John Schmidt
  • 2007 Jim Sterbenz
  • 2007 Kim Meier
  • 2006 Jeanine Brizendine
  • 2006 Mike Conlin
  • 2005 April Gromlovits
  • 2005 Jeanine Brizendine
  • 2004 Terry Kepka
  • 2004 Lorraine Poell
  • 2003 Award not given
  • 2002 Jack Tebow
  • 2002 Steven Charles
  • 2001 Jeanie Brown
  • 2001 Jena Brunswig
  • 2000 David Pistole
  • 1999 Rusty Ryan
  • 1998 Sherry Denton
  • 1997 Randy Sanders
  • 1996 Michael Dieker
  • 1995 Mary Kate Blankenship
  • 1994 Mary Kate Blankenship
  • 1993 Lisa Whipple
  • 1992 Steve Burghart
  • 1991 Carol Morgan
  • 1990 John Baughman

President's Award

Presented annually to the outgoing KPhA President.

  • 2024 Tessa Schnelle
  • 2023 Dared Price
  • 2022 Kristen Powell
  • 2021 Nate Rockers
  • 2020 Matt Morrison
  • 2019 Amanda Applegate
  • 2018 Emily Prohaska
  • 2017 Jonalan Smith
  • 2016 Michael Bellesine
  • 2015 Jim Baumann
  • 2014 Van Coble
  • 2013 Merlin McFarland
  • 2012 Doug Funk
  • 2011 Joe Gilliland

NCPA Leadership Award

Presented by NASPA annually to the incoming KPhA President and sponsored by NCPA.
This award is given to an individual with an entry degree in Pharmacy received less than 10 years ago and practicing retail, institutional, or consulting pharmacy in the year selected. The award winner is also selected based on his or her participation in national pharmacy associations, professional programs, state association activities, and/or community service.

  • 2024 Sloane Freeman
  • 2023 Tessa Schnelle
  • 2022 Dared Price
  • 2021 Kristen Powell
  • 2020 Nate Rockers
  • 2019 Matt Morrison
  • 2018 Emily Prohaska
  • 2017 Jonalan Smith
  • 2016 Mike Bellesine
  • 2015 James Baumann
  • 2014 Van Coble
  • 2013 Merlin McFarland
  • 2012 Douglas Funk
  • 2011 Joseph Gilliland
  • 2010 Nicki Kehr
  • 2009 Terry Kepka
  • 2008 Mary Kate Blankenship
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